A question about balloons in the parks . . .

[2princes'mom]

I love the idea of the sand in a balloon! I don't think a ball would work because he would throw it constantly, but the balloon with sand might satisfy two needs all in one.

My classroom is right next to our special education pre-school and I've seen the kids use those before (can't for the life of me decide why I didn't think of it) lol but I'm happy to have the idea. Thank you!

He doesn't mind large crowds, in fact he tends to see something he wants and just takes off after it. We are working on making sure his stroller is very comfortable (ie fan, extra piece on the top for shade, etc.) so that hopefully he'll be fairly content while we move from place to place. One of his favorite movies to watch right now is the free Disney DVD and we let him watch it often to help prepare him for seeing Characters & some of the rides since it shows other kids with several characters through out the show.

Thanks again guys! Great ideas!

 

[MomofKatie]

Hi! Another idea for the small balloon for your DS to carry around:

Most of our local grocery stores sell those small (softball size) Mylar balloons attached to a stick- would something like that work for him? Since it is Mylar, no latex allergy issues. You could probably take it off the stick, too, if he didn't want it attached. And, a Mylar balloon would be more sturdy than a latex one.

I would think there wouldn't be an issue of him haqving it on rides, either- like a PP said, he won't be going on any high-speed thrill rides!

 

[disnut8]

If I bring a small one with me (think size of a softball) that I blow up personally (no helium) so that he can have one in his hands as well, will he be able to carry it onto the majority of rides (well the ones that he is allowed to get on?)

I am concerned because part of what his developmental therapist and I have noticed is that he often has something in his hand and does NOT want to let it go until he decides he is ready. She has said this is his way of organizing himself and giving himself something that he can have control over. When he has an object like a balloon in his hands, it helps him to focus on that instead of some of the things that trigger his frustrations (and yes fits).

Anyway, if any one could answer either of those questions, I would be most appreciative.

THANKS so much!!

I probably going to regret bringing this up but I'm going to ask anyway and ask forgiveness now. Would this qualify as something a GAC could/would address? Not anything that would allow the family to bypass a line but something that would allow the "balloon" on the attraction? Mods, sorry if I get an infraction but I have to ask.

 

[Sammie]

Here is a Winnie the Pooh toy with a balloon.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...eada4a4&itemid=360271992230&ff4=263602_263622

 

[mdb78]

We bought dd one of the "double" balloon when we went to the park May 16 . It didn't get stolen when we tied it to the stroller to go on a ride or see a show (it was also super crowded for May) and it was a super hot day. DD saw it and wanted it. I willingly bought it well because my parents never bought for my brother and I. It was $10, but it lasts. Right now one ear is deflated. I would say last week is when it stopped floating around.

 

[GrammyJudy]

I am sorry to say we did have baloons stolen from our stroller in MK many years ago...it was cut clen with the ribbon left so it was obvious it did not float away.

 

[JMCDisneyBound]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I just wanted to point out that you will not be allowed to bring the inflated balloon on the plane you buy at Disney for the trip home. Have a Great trip!

 

[bwilcox]

I would call WDW and ask if a GAC card will allow your son to take a balloon on rides. It doesn't seem like an unreasonable request to me.

 

[bellazachmom]

Since we HAVE to purchase balloons the first day of each trip we have learned a few things over the years:

1. If the balloon ever pops, deflates or has anything go wrong with it just take it back to the nearest balloon handler and they will replace it for you.

2. If you have the receipt and your balloon is stolen you can take the receipt to any Guest Services and you will be given a voucher for a replacement balloon. I have a feeling that you wouldnt even need the receipt, actually, considering Disney's guest service. I just had mine out and presented it when explaining what happened and the CM took care of the rest.

3. We usually drive so getting it home isn't usually a problem but last year we flew -- the vendors can show you how to deflate the balloon easily without damaging it and then you can fold it up and take it in your suitcase. When you get home just take it to your nearest store with helium and have it re-inflated for a few dollars. We actually kept ours inflated through airport security and then deflated it when they called our boarding group and tucked it in to our carry on.

I hope that you and your family have a magical trip!

 

[pickles]

Could he hold something else in his hands. There are many people with latex allergies and Disney balloons are designed to be safe for those people.

seriously?

I guess I am the only person left in the world that doesnt think the world needs to cater to the few or the one. It needs to cater to the average, typical etc..
I have some pretty hefty inhalant allergies to certain cut grasses(and certain other smells/perfumes). I drive by someone mowing and if it is the right smell, I can start gagging, drowning in saliva, coughing and at times throwing up. It can be a very scary experience. Should I expect people to not cut their grass?
certain perfumes can also set me off. I guess out of kindness the world should stop wearing that stuff while I am out and about in it.
I dont expect that at all. I have learned measures that help me survive an episode and I have figured out ways to avoid encounters that may be severe for me
If you go out in public, I think it is reasonable to assume that what the average, typical person can handle is what you may encounter and you need to prepare yourself for that possibility. If you see a kid with a latex balloon, cross the street, take meds, wait until the next ride. Do something to manage YOUR problem. Just seems like the polite and responsible thing to do in my book

 

[2princes'mom]

It's so good to know that I can keep the reciept and that Disney's amazing customer service would help me to replace the balloon if someone were to steal it or something were to happen to it.

I also like the idea of the small mylar balloon idea . . .

I'm thinking the sand in the balloon or an animal like the cute little winnie the pooh with the balloon will work the best because he can really hold on tight to them.

I actually have a very dear friend with a severe latex allergy and she mentioned that when she is in a public place like this she simply looks out for herself and doesn't pick up things that are latex. It takes a room like our school's gym that is full of latex and closed in for it to affect her with out actually touching it.


I am THRILLED with the idea that we can ask how to deflate the balloon and then can have it refilled when we get home. That is just awesome!!

You guys have been just great!!! THANKS AGAIN!!

 

[kaligal]

seriously?

I guess I am the only person left in the world that doesnt think the world needs to cater to the few or the one. It needs to cater to the average, typical etc..
I have some pretty hefty inhalant allergies to certain cut grasses(and certain other smells/perfumes). I drive by someone mowing and if it is the right smell, I can start gagging, drowning in saliva, coughing and at times throwing up. It can be a very scary experience. Should I expect people to not cut their grass?
certain perfumes can also set me off. I guess out of kindness the world should stop wearing that stuff while I am out and about in it.
I dont expect that at all. I have learned measures that help me survive an episode and I have figured out ways to avoid encounters that may be severe for me
If you go out in public, I think it is reasonable to assume that what the average, typical person can handle is what you may encounter and you need to prepare yourself for that possibility. If you see a kid with a latex balloon, cross the street, take meds, wait until the next ride. Do something to manage YOUR problem. Just seems like the polite and responsible thing to do in my book

LOL, I am like you. I have a LOT of allergies. My eyes get gippy and my nose runs when driving past newly-mown grass, too. My whole life, I longed to cut grass. Tried it one day and spent the rest of the day and night recovering.

Scents give me a headache that will go all day if I don't swallow a pill or two. I always take my Advil gel caps with me wherever I go. And don't get me started on elevators and perfume or those body washes.

Et cetera, et cetera.

And I manage to get along in the world without asking everyone else to cater to me!

I crack up when I hear people complaining that the world isn't catering to them and their allergy.

But the fact remains that some people will be upset if you say you'll do something that might bug them...or that they make up will cause them physical harm, even if it isn't possible or is extremely unlikely. It might be easier to not say you're going to do it.

But I SO hear you.

 

[SueM in MN]

Whether or not he is allowed to have it in his hands is probably going to be an ‘attraction to attraction’ type thing and would be decided by the CM greeting at the line entry or at the boarding area.
I am quite certain a full size balloon would not be allowed, especially one with helium, and would get in your way for boarding and getting out.
It’s not something that a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) would address - they don’t get that specific and if the CM says it can’t be brought on, it would be for safety reasons. Soarin’ and Peter Pan are 2 that would probably not be OK - for Soarin’, they don’t allow anything loose.
There is more about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which you can get to from the link in my signature.

One thing to consider is what he would do if he puts it down or loses it. If it’s something irreplaceable, that will cause lots of problems for you. And (I don’t know how they figure it out), but some special needs kids are very perceptive if you try to substitute an identical item and figure out that it’s not the same one.
You may want to consider something that can be on a lanyard or clipped to clothing while he still holds it. That way, if he does stop holding it, it’s not going to fall.